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Buck & Co Jewellers,
Goldsmiths & Diamond Mounters
Crafted with Excellence
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It is time to celebrate the birthstone of the month, which for March is the aquamarine. This beautiful sky-blue to sea-green gemstone bears a name deriving from the Latin for water 'aqua' and for sea, 'marina'. Legend has it that this beautiful stone is the treasure of mermaids, and it was traditionally carried by sailors to keep them safe at sea.
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Aquamarine is a variety of the gemstone Beryl, which also includes emeralds, and the less well known pink gemstone morganite, and the yellow gemstone heliodor. It grows in prismatic crystals, and can grow to large sizes. It occurs in many locations across the world including Brazil, Madagascar, Sri Lanka and the USA. Brazil has long been known as the world's top source for aquamarine, including the world's largest specimens such as the Dom Pedro aquamarine. Mined in 1980, at 10363.00ct it is the world's largest cut aquamarine. Cut into a 'fantasy' cut featuring curved facets and grooves, it took six months of hand cutting by the gem cutter Bernd Munsteiner to create the magnificent obelisk that can now be seen in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
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Aquamarine is well suited to use in jewellery as it is a durable stone. Care is needed when working with these gemstones in the jewellery workshop however, as heat can cause them to discolour. It is recommended to care for these pieces gently, washing in warm soapy water, without the use of abrasive chemicals that may damage the stone. Protect these fabulous stones from sharp knocks as they can fracture.
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Pictured is a beautiful aquamarine, diamond and 18ct white gold ring, a commission piece designed by Buck & Co. The aquamarine was selected by our clients from a selection sourced by our Gemmologist, and it was then crafted into this stunning piece by our in-house Goldsmith.
18ct White Gold, Diamond and Aquamarine Ring pictured, is a commission piece designed by Buck & Co, Cornwall
The Dom Pedro aquamarine, as displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (picture credit https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Pedro_aquamarine
Birthstone of the Month:
March
This weeks jewellery spotlight falls on this delightful and unusual pair of antique 18ct yellow gold earrings.
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Believed to date from the 1880's these earrings are a fabulous surviving example of Victorian Etruscan revival jewellery. The Etruscans were a civilization centered in central Italy from about 900-300BCE and were famed for their goldwork featuring techniques such as filagree and granulation wrought in high carat yellow gold. Some original examples of this still exist in museums across the world, and this style became fashionable in the Victorian period in elaborate neck pieces, drop style earrings and a revival of gem set signet rings.
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This inspiration was aided by the opening of the railways which made travel to Europe easier. Travellers soaked up the cultures that were exposed by the large numbers of archeological excavations that were taking place at the time. Etruscan and the later Greek and Roman designs became popular not just in jewellery, but also in art and architecture.
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These particular earrings feature filagree wire work in 18ct gold, and have elaborate drops which move gracefully. They are in fabulous condition, and with the many small moving parts are a rare survivor from the period. Viewings are most welcome at our shop in Bodmin. £650.00, reference 682.
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Buck & Co Jewellers is a family-owned business with over 40 years of experience in the jewellery industry. We offer a wide range of services including bespoke designs, repairs and insurance valuations. We are a husband and wife team consisting of a qualified and experienced Jeweller, Diamond Mounter, Gold and Silversmith, and a certified Gemmologist. We take pride in crafting each piece of jewellery with excellence, ensuring that it meets our high standards of quality.
At Buck & Co Jewellers, we offer a personalised service, where your work is carried out in our fully insured workshop located in The Market House Arcade in Bodmin, a Grade II listed building. We have options to suit all budgets and tastes, and offer free consultations to discuss your desired commission work.
